Who is Rashida Jones?

By
Liz Kelly

Rashida Jones. (Getty Images)

"I have no idea who Rashida Jones is at all." -- TD in Baltimore

TD, you're not alone. Earlier this week, I was shocked -- shocked I tell you -- to read several similar comments about the co-star of this weekend's upcoming "I Love You, Man." I guess I just assumed everyone watched "The Office" because "Office" watchers know her as Karen Fillipelli, the perfectly nice chick Jim dumps for long-time crush Pam.

In this clip, Karen and Pam throw a competing holiday party to thwart Angela:

Still not ringing a bell? In that case, here's a quick primer on Rashida Jones.

You Should Know Her From: "The Office," the short-lived Farrelly Brothers comedy series "Unhitched" and one episode of "Freaks and Geeks" (which co-starred "I Love You, Man's" Jason Segel.)

Upcoming Projects: After this weekend's release, we'll see Jones as a concerned citizen opposite Amy Poehler's city official on the new comedy "Parks and Recreation," premiering April 9 on NBC. Although not an "Office" spin-off, the show -- developed by two "Office" writers -- is being filmed in the same mockumentary style. Here, Jones talks about how she got involved with the project.

Jones has been linked romantically to Tobey Maguire, Seth Meyers and "Office" co-star John Krasinski and was briefly engaged to producer Mark Ronson (yep, Samantha's bro) in 2003.

But she remains guarded about her private life, telling Details, "I don't think that there's been one example in history where somebody has openly talked about their personal life and it's done them any good."

What Lies Beneath: Aside from acting, Jones is an accomplished singer, with credits ranging from Maroon 5 backing vocals to Gap ads to Harvard's co-ed a cappella group, The Harvard Opportunes. Jones graduated from Harvard in 1997 with a degree in religion and philosophy.

Oh, and along with Natalie Portman Jones came up with this novel solution to the world's problems:

I confess! I do not understand why everyone loves "The Office." Tried a few times to watch; just don't get it. I think it's overrated and smug, and I think Steve Carrell is a funny man when reined in, and he's not reined in there.

So sue me. Clearly my hopelessly dated humor gene is wandering somewhere among the original SNL, SCTV reruns, and Christopher Guest movies because I don't get the Owen Wilson or Will Ferrell appeal either. SO THERE. Wow, I feel so much better now. Thanks for letting me vent.

Who were we talking about again? Right. Rashida Jones. She is beautiful, and I hope to witness her talent sometime soon now that I know who she is.

Thank goodness, td. I wondered if I was the only one who didn't like "The Office"; reminds me too much of a toxic workplace where I long ago toiled till I could afford to GTF out. Also agree that Rashida apparently has the potential for a career breakout (would love to see her mom on-screen again, too).

I'll join in not sharing the love for the US version of "The Office". It was a perfect foil for Ricky Gervais in the BBC version, so I never quite warmed to the American version. That and, yes, as someone who worked in a toxic workplace, it just hit too close to home.

I also think the Office is NOT funny at all. Luckily we are all in vast majority in saying so. Only 8 million people watch out of the 300 million people in the U.S. That means that 97.3% of us do not watch it.
Steve Carrell is EXACTLY like my boss, so I don't need to see any of that very unfunny behavior at home.

I don't find the Office funny either, but my Dh thinks it's hysterical. I think it might be a right brain - left brain thing. I also don't think the Three Stooges are funny, but hubby will laugh and laugh and laugh...to the point where I want to smack him.

Old Elias has no idea who Radisha Jones was either! Just the other day, Mrs. Howe yelled for me to get out of the lab and come up to the house. She said come to the house for some (something beginning with the letter "s"). I heard sex, Mrs. Howe said shower.

Beyond that I am SHOCKED, SHOCKED that this month, no one commemorated or even mentioned a most important anniversary here on the island. March 1, 1932.

Wow, between DWTS, ANTM and this, I'm beginning to realize how crappy my tastes are, though I started to get a clue when I fell in love with Super Troopers.

I like The Office because it has the "It's funny because it's true" vibe. It reduces to the ridiculous. And nothing compares to Jim outsmarting Dwight at every turn. My favorite was when Jim had all of Dwight's calls forwarded to his (Jim's) phone, even the cell phone. Dwight got so frustrated, he smashed his own cell phone, added bonus for Jim! :)

Rashida Jones is definitely lovely, though. I kind of hope she stays obscure. The saddest thing to me is seeing talent get overhyped to the point of being annoying. (see: Carbon Leaf)

I for one like the Stooges, but do not get The Office. Agree with td that Steve Carrell needs to be channelled, and on so much else. I'll bet td would watch if Penelope Cruz was on The Office. But then I guess it wouldn't be the same show, would it?

valgal,
I already said I don't like the Office, but I laugh like crazy at the Stooges. The sad thing is that when I was 10 I thought the Stooges were dumb and immature, now at 47 I find them hilarious. My wife would agree with you that they are dumb and not funny.
And yes I have gotten more immature as I age.

I like The Office (US version.) But my hubby can't watch it. Hits too close to home.

Rashida Jones is a fine actress and until two days ago when this whole thing came up, I didn't know she was the child of Quincy Jones & Peggy Lipton. As soon as I learned it I could see the resemblance to her mom. I wanted to be Julie in the Mod Squad so bad when I was in 9th grade. The show's tagline: "One black, one white, one blonde." Oh so cheesy.
BTW, Peggy Lipton was the blonde.

apparently celebritology readers don't have a sense of humor or good taste (no offense, Liz). then again, most americans lack these qualities too. which would explain why more people watch crap like Idol, "Celebrity" Dancing and not quality shows like Office and Lost.

Nosy,
Why don't you do a little Wikipedia research on Lionel Ritchie like you did on Quincy? I think you will see Lionel has about 20 top 10 hits on his resume.
wm44,
It always amazes me how everyone thinks that they only watch the "high quality" shows and people who do not watch the shows they like are dumb or just don't get it. Just because you like the Office doesn't make you a member of the Mensa society.

Boston Public rocked. Didn't get the connection. As a former sub teacher, have to say it came closer than anything else on TV to what school really was. Of course situations were exaggerated. It was TV.

Just because you like the Office doesn't make you a member of the Mensa society.

Posted by: Iowahoosier | March 18, 2009 2:13 PM
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On her days off, Ms Snatchquatch likes to watch Maury Povich. And she has a monthly membership in the Menses Society.

"I'll bet td would watch if Penelope Cruz was on The Office." --reddragon1

You know, red, I almost made a Penelope comment earlier, as in, now that I see Rashida, Penelope is all yours. But I just couldn't do it.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't get "The Office" -- I had no idea I'd start such a cathartic release for so many of you.

And if "The Office" is a "quality show," then clearly my time has passed. Which means I'll just have to find "Mod Squad" reruns to occupy my time in addition to the "It Takes a Thief" reruns I catch on Hulu.com once in a while.

sas probably wouldn't watch The Office even if Penelope Cruz were on it. Maybe if we keep mentioning it, her "people" will see and get her to do a guest shot. Then I'll watch one episode all the way through. Or maybe we'll get Salma Hayek. She might also be on The Office.

Nosy,
I wasn't really trying to snark on you, sometimes the written word comes across badly. You are great in my book, and much funnier then I.
Sasquatch,
Exactly, I am sure even Einstein took a break from quantum physics once in awhile and enjoyed watching something fun like, "Some Like it Hot" or "The Nutty Professor."

wm44, hey, nothing wrong with liking "low brow" shows like AI or any other reality show for that matter. Sometimes people need a break from the weight of their daily lives. If you think American TV lowers the IQ, you should see what they show in Europe or Japan. I like a person who can watch a serious documentary, or a weighty drama but still enjoy a spoofy comedy or voyeuristic reality show. Good to be well rounded. And as to the type of comedy etc that they like, to each their own.

hodie,
Can I ask you a question? I am not trying to be mean, I really am curious. What kind of a doctor has the time to post to a celebrity based chat all day?
I think most of us are cubicle dwellers or attorneys, but you are supposed to be out saving lives and such.
Or do you work odd hours and are home during the day?

No offense taken Iowahoosier. I am no longer in clinical practice and now work in management as a medical director. My job is mainly a desk job with occasional field trips to various medical facilities. My job is to make sure your doc stays current. Nice to have this outlet when my eyes begin to cross after looking at clinical data all day but lately with the all the medical stuff going around, it doesn't take me far enough away.

I gotta take exception to "the perfectly nice chick Jim dumps for long-time crush Pam." No character on that show is "perfectly nice." They are all complete and total nutcases and Karen was no exception. It's what makes the show so funny. Only the guest actors are every nearly normal.

"...most americans lack these qualities too. which would explain why more people watch crap like Idol, "Celebrity" Dancing and not quality shows like Office and Lost.

Posted by: wm44 | March 18, 2009 1:42 PM"

How do you explain the British loving "crap" like Pop Idol (original British version of AI) and the original Dancing with the Stars? I love The Office, but I hate this whole "Americans love crap, but other countries don't" idea. I lived in the UK, trust me, plenty of well-loved crap on TV there. Need an example? "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" is a UK hit. Flopped here.

hodie,
Thanks for answering. I know I would much prefer your current job to something like an emergency Doc or surgeon. I would hate to be the person who could not save someone and then have to tell the family they had lost a loved one.